[Intersaison] Indianapolis Colts: The Day After

The 2021 season has just ended, and from March XX, the 2022 campaign will open its doors. Touchdown Actu therefore takes the opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the off-season. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agent to extend? Which rookies to watch? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Indianapolis Colts.

From start to finish, the Colts had a weird season. After three losses to start, Indianapolis could go to the playoffs by beating the weak Jaguars in the final week. And against all odds, it was a loss that ended the Colts’ season.

After this historic debacle, the Colts must raise their heads to claim the playoffs again in 2022. The workforce is rich, but the uncertainty at the quarterback position makes any forecast still uncertain.

The owners

1. Jonathan Taylor
2. Quenton Nelson
3. Darius Leonard
4. Deforest Buckner
5. Braden Smith / Ryan Kelly

The identity of the Colts is simple: win in the trenches and defeat from the ground. The outbreak of runner Jonathan Taylor helped build this style of play. The sophomore had 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns, enough to make him an MVP candidate. But if he has played at a high level, he also owes it to his line.

Quenton Nelson is one of the best guards in the league, while Braden Smith and Ryan Kelly are also top guards in their respective positions. Having such a dominant line helps an attack, and it gives a good base for next season.

The defense also has talent, with Darius Leonard and Deforest Buckner in the foreground. The young linebacker is already a three-time All Pro in four seasons, and has 122 tackles, 4 interceptions and 8 forced fumbles in 2021. He is dominant on all attempts, and a squad leader. Deforest Buckner is less publicized, but just as dominant. Author of 7 sacks in 2021, he is also fundamental in the defense against the run, an ink on a line which progressed last season.

Undesirables

– Carson Wentz ?

Stop or again? That’s the question. Since the retirement of Andrew Luck, Indianapolis no longer finds stability in the most important position in the NFL. Carson Wentz was relatively expensive (3rd round 2021, 1st round 2022), and he did not give complete satisfaction. His dismissal is rather affordable (15 million “dead money”, 13 million in savings), but his replacement is not easy. The Colts have no draft flexibility, and the market offers no solutions except an unlikely trade for a player like Aaron Rodgers.

Wentz’s season is far from statistically shameful (3,563 yards, 27 TDs, 7 INTs), but his inability to carry his team through critical moments is worrying. Can he carry this team to the Super Bowl? It’s debatable given his performance this season in a more than full squad. He could be kept in 2022 if there are no alternatives, but the pressure would be enormous on his shoulders.

The summer man

Michael Pittman Jr. (Wide receiver)

With TY Hilton losing steam, Michael Pittman became the Colts’ No. 1 receiver. If he exceeded 1,000 yards this season, he still has a long way to go before being dominant. If he is not a speed monster, he has progressed on the tracks and does not seem far from the explosion (in the good sense of the word).

Although he should receive competition in the free agent market, he has a unique opportunity to make his mark next season. It’s up to him to answer!

The main free agents

1. Eric Fisher
2. Mo Alie-Cox
3. T.Y. Hilton
4. Zach Pascal
5. Marlon Mack

If the offensive line is the strength of the Colts, the position of left tackle remains a problem since the retirement of Anthony Castonzo. Former first draft pick Eric Fisher has disappointed, and is unlikely to return to the Colts, and will need to be replaced.

Mo Allie-Cox isn’t the most impressive or productive tight end in the league. However, he is a valuable safety valve for Carson Wentz. An extension is not to be excluded, especially since the depth at the post is very limited.

Cox isn’t the only target to become a free agent. TY Hilton, Zach Pascal and Marlon Mack will be too. The latter should not be kept given the depth at the post of runner, but the management of the group of receivers is a big question mark. Hilton is a shadow of his former self, and a comeback makes little sense. Pascal can come back, but he is only a complementary player. There’s going to be work to surround the quarterback, whether it’s Wentz or someone else.

Top 5 Needs

1. Quarterback
2. Receiver
3. Cornerback
4. Safety
5. Tight End

As discussed above, the quarterback position is key to the Colts’ future. It’s not strictly speaking a “need” because there is a player in place, but it could become one if the Colts choose to part ways with Carson Wentz.

Receiver is the other priority. Michael Pittman must become a leader, but he will need help. The Colts have 37 million salary available (7th in the NFL), and we will have to use it on this position so as not to become a one-dimensional attack. The problem extends to the tight-ends, since it’s the entire target group that needs to be reformed.

The defense also needs reinforcement, especially the back line. Kenny Moore is excellent, Julian Blackmon is interesting, but the group lacks a boss like Leonard or Buckner on the other lines. Experience is key, and defensive backs lack it. An Anthony Harris for example could be a nice addition without being too expensive.

Target

Michael Gallup (receiver)

Indianapolis needs reinforcements at receiver, and the good news is that the market is amazing at that position. However, abundance does not prevent you from looking for bargains. Michael Gallup doesn’t have the media popularity of Amari Cooper or Ceedee Lamb, but that doesn’t make him a worse player.

In 43 career games, he’s had 2,902 yards and 15 touchdowns, proving he can be a No. 1 receiver. career. It’s a risk, but if the price is reasonable it can be worth it.

The new blood

Bernhard Raimann (OT, Central Michigan)

Sensation of the 2021 season, Bernhard Raimann has had an atypical career. Austrian player initially tight end, wrestler and athlete, he finally exploded as a right tackle. After a huge mass gain, he has become an asset in passing and running.

Mobile and light on its supports when needed, it can still be improved technically but the potential is there. In a race-oriented team like Indianapolis, a mountain like Raimann would be a definite asset. He may be available in the second round (the Colts don’t have a first round), an opportunity not to be missed.

Other possible choices: Daniel Faalele (OT), Kinglsley Enagbare (EDGE), Derion Kendrick (CB), Jalen Pitre (S)